Image recording apparatus and method for selecting and automatically deleting an image file

ABSTRACT

An image recording apparatus records image files on a recording medium. The image recording apparatus automatically selects disused files and automatically deletes them at the appropriate timing. A storage device acquires an image file from, e.g., an imaging component or an external terminal and records the image file together with time information on a recording medium. A controller monitors the recording area of the recording medium and automatically deletes image files for which the time information is old in accordance with the monitored usage status of the recording area.

This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/365,540 (now U.S. Pat.No. 7,379,202) filed Feb. 13, 2003, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/963,600 filed Sep. 27, 2001 (now abandoned),which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/556,792 filed Apr.25, 2000 (now abandoned), which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 08/954,031 filed Oct. 20, 1997 (now abandoned), which claims thebenefit of provisional application No. 60/040,919, filed Mar. 27, 1997.The disclosures of each prior application is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of the following priority application is hereinincorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No. 08-279460filed Oct. 22, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus forrecording image information in an image file format on a recordingmedium wherein the image information is input from an imaging componentor an external terminal. In particular, it relates to an image recordingapparatus that automatically deletes image files on the recording mediumat an appropriate time.

2. Description of Related Art

Image recording apparatus that record image information input from animaging component in an image file format on a recording medium areknown in the art. Electronic cameras and image editing machines areexamples of such recording apparatus.

In such image recording apparatus, memory cards (e.g., flash memories),magnetooptical recording media, and the like, have been used as imagerecording media. Such recording media are reusable by deleting imagefiles that are no longer being used. These conventional image recordingapparatus provide a function for deleting image files by manualoperation. For example, an apparatus for batch deleting image files onthe recording medium by manual operation is described in JapaneseLaid-Open Patent Application No. 6-90422.

Also, an apparatus is known for successively deleting image files on therecording medium by manual specification while being displayed on amonitor screen.

In such conventional examples, it is necessary for the user to choose asuitable time to execute the deletion operations. Therefore, the usermust always be conscious of the usage conditions of the recording mediain order to determine an appropriate time for deletion.

Such determinations are often missed. Therefore, in an image recordingapparatus such as an electronic camera, valuable shooting opportunitiesare frequently missed by the user not being aware of the reduction ofavailable capacity of the recording medium. For example, if theavailable capacity is not sufficient to store an image, the user mustdelete an image prior to storing a new one. If the user does not realizethat there is not sufficient capacity, the user may not be able to storea new image, which would then be lost. In addition, the user must selectthe image files, one by one, to be deleted using a complicated selectionoperation. Moreover, important image files are often deleted because theselected image files are deleted on the spot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art byproviding an image recording apparatus that can automatically selectimage files no longer being used and automatically delete them at anappropriate time.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an image recordingapparatus that appropriately prevents a condition wherein the availablecapacity of the recording medium is insufficient to store furtherimages.

A third aspect of the present invention is to provide an image recordingapparatus whereby there is little risk of unintentionally deletingimportant image files.

A fourth aspect of the invention is to provide an image recordingapparatus that can efficiently reduce the frequency of deletion of imagefiles.

A fifth aspect of the invention is to provide an image recordingapparatus that automatically deletes disused image files at a timesuited for new image files to be recorded.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows and in part will be obvious fromthe description or may be learned from practice of the invention. Theaspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

Apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention includesrecording means for acquiring an image file from an imaging component(e.g., a CCD) or an external terminal (e.g., a host computer), and forrecording the image file together with time information on a recordingmedium. The apparatus also includes monitoring means for monitoring therecording area of the recording medium, and first automatic deletingmeans for deleting image files for which the time information is old inaccordance with the usage status of the recording area monitored by themonitoring means.

The recording means acquires image files including image information.The recording means records image files together with time informationon the recording medium. The recording area of the recording mediumchanges consequent to such recording operation. The monitoring meansmonitors changes in the recording area. The first automatic deletingmeans deletes image files having old time information and updates theusage status of the recording area monitored by the monitoring means.The deletion operation may include an operation for establishing acondition for overwriting part or all of the recording area occupied byan image file flagged for deletion and overwriting the recording areawith another image file.

By such an operation, an available area of the recording medium can beautomatically secured at a timing matched to the change of the usagestatus of the recording area.

In an electronic camera, and the like, photographed image files arestored temporarily on a memory card, or the like. The probability ishigh that, with regard to important image files, within a few days to afew weeks from the date photographed, the image files will betransferred to higher capacity recording media and carefully archived,printed on paper media, or the like. Consequently, in regard to imagefiles having old time information, the probability is high that thesefiles are either useless or have been processed, e.g., archived. Thus,no longer used image files can be deleted with high probability bydeleting old image files preferentially, as in the present invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the monitoring means acquiresor computes the available capacity of the recording area of therecording medium and the first automatic deleting means successivelydeletes image files for which the time information is oldest each timethe available capacity acquired or computed by the monitoring meansfalls below a predetermined limit. The monitoring means acquires orcomputes the available capacity of the recording medium. The firstautomatic deleting means successively deletes image files in order ofolder time information each time the available capacity falls below thepredetermined limit.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a user interface thatpresents an image file anticipated to be deleted by the first automaticdeleting means. The user interface inquires as to whether or not thedeletion operation of the image file is approved. The first automaticdeleting means performs deletion of the image file if the deletionoperation is approved via the user interface. This user interfacepresents an image file anticipated to be deleted by the first automaticdeleting means and inquires as to whether or not the deletion operationof the image file is approved. The first automatic deleting meansexecutes file deletion processing on image files for which the deletionoperation has been approved by the user interface.

Apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention includes arecording means for acquiring an image file from an imaging component oran external terminal, and for recording the image file on a recordingmedium. The apparatus also includes a disused image establishing meansfor establishing whether or not an image file on the recording medium isdisused in accordance with an external selection operation. A monitoringmeans monitors the recording area of the recording medium, and secondautomatic deleting means deletes image files established as disused bythe disused image establishing means in accordance with the usage statusof the recording medium monitored by the monitoring means.

The recording means acquires image files including image information,and the like. The recording means records these image files on arecording medium. The recording area of the recording medium changesconsequent to such recording operation. The monitoring means monitorschanges in the recording area. Meanwhile, the disused image establishingmeans establishes whether or not an image file on the recording mediumis disused in accordance with an external operation that identifies theimage file as such. The second automatic deleting means deletes imagefiles established as disused by matching the usage conditions of therecording area monitored in the monitoring means.

The deletion operation may include an operation for overwriting, withanother image file, all or a part of the recording area occupied by animage file that is to be deleted and establishing a condition wherebyoverwriting is possible. By such operation, the available capacity onthe recording medium can be secured properly and automatically at atiming matched to the change of the usage status of the recording area.

In an even further embodiment of the invention, the monitoring meansacquires or computes the available capacity of the recording area of therecording medium and the second automatic deleting means successivelydeletes image files established as disused by the disused imageestablishing means each time the available capacity acquired or computedby the monitoring means falls below a predetermined limit. Themonitoring means acquires or computes the available capacity of therecording medium. The second automatic deleting means successivelydeletes image files established as disused each time this availablecapacity falls below a predetermined limit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second automatic deletingmeans deletes image files established as disused by the disused imageestablishing means in priority order of larger file capacity. By suchoperation, there is no need to frequently delete image files for whichthe file capacity is small. Thus, the frequency of deletion of imagefiles is reduced assuredly.

Another embodiment of the invention further includes a user interfacefor presenting an image file anticipated to be deleted by the secondautomatic deleting means, and for inquiring whether the deletionoperation of the image file is approved. The second automatic deletingmeans performs deletion of the image file if the deletion operation isapproved via the user interface.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a limit modifying means forraising and lowering the limit corresponding to the file capacity ofimage files acquired by the recording means. Consequently, it becomespossible to secure on the recording medium the necessary availablecapacity at a timing matched to the file capacity of the acquired imagefile.

As explained above, in a first embodiment of the invention, image filesare automatically deleted in accordance with the usage status of therecording medium. Consequently, available space on the recording mediumcan be secured automatically at an appropriate timing matched to thechange of recording area of the recording medium.

Also, image files having old time information are preferentially madethe object of deletion. Therefore, image files for which the necessarypost-processing (archive processing, print processing, and the like) hasalready been performed, or those image files that originally wereunnecessary, can be deleted with high probability. By such an effect,operations such as the user consciously selecting and deleting imagefiles is eliminated. Thus, the complications concomitant with theconventional deletion operation is resolved to a great extent.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the files having the oldesttime information are deleted sequentially each time the availablecapacity of the recording medium falls below a predetermined limit.Consequently, it is possible to secure available space on the recordingmedium at an appropriate timing corresponding promptly with thereduction of available capacity of the recording medium.

As a result, in an apparatus such as an electronic camera,inconveniences such as missing a valuable shooting opportunity can beprevented without the user having to closely pay attention to theavailable capacity of the recording medium.

In a further embodiment of the invention, external approval is sought bypresenting the image file of a candidate for deletion before performingthe deletion operation. Consequently, there is no risk of an importantimage file being deleted by accident. Also, because the candidate fordeletion is automatically presented, the operation of selecting acandidate for deletion as in the conventional example becomesunnecessary. Consequently, it becomes possible to complete the deletionoperation quickly with a simple yes/no confirmation alone. As a result,in an apparatus such as an electronic camera, the risk of missing avaluable shooting opportunity is reduced.

In a further embodiment of the invention, image files are automaticallydeleted in accordance with the usage status of the recording medium.Consequently, it becomes possible to automatically secure availablespace on the recording medium at an appropriate timing matched to thechange of recording area on the recording medium. Also, because disusedimage files are flagged for deletion in advance, there is nounintentional deletion of important image files.

Additionally, the invention differs greatly from conventional devicesfrom the standpoint that timing can be placed between the selectionoperation and the deletion operation of disused image files. Therefore,the user can select the disused image files in advance with presence ofmind. Thus, there is no need to select a candidate for deletion in ahurry or when in a flustered situation such as when photographing andwhen editing.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, image files established inadvance as disused are deleted sequentially each time the availablecapacity of the recording medium falls below a predetermined limit.Consequently, it becomes possible to secure available space on therecording medium at an appropriate timing corresponding with thereduction of available capacity of the recording medium. As a result, inan apparatus such as an electronic camera, inconveniences such asmissing a valuable shooting opportunity can be prevented without payingattention to the available capacity of the recording medium.

In a further embodiment, image files are deleted in order of greaterfile capacity from those established as disused. Consequently, thefrequency of deletion of image files can be reduced efficiently.

In another embodiment, external confirmation is sought by presenting theimage file established in advance as disused before performing thedeletion operation. Consequently, the risk of deleting an image fileaccidentally becomes less.

In yet another embodiment, the limit corresponding to the file capacityof image files read in from outside is raised and lowered. Consequently,it becomes possible to secure on the recording medium, at an appropriatetime, available capacity corresponding to the file capacity of the imagefile being read in from outside.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a high-level functional diagram of a first aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a high-level functional diagram of a second aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a high-level functional diagram of a third aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a high-level functional diagram of a fourth aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a high-level functional diagram of a fifth aspect of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, external view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart (continuation) showing the operation of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of the display of a monitorimage;

FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of the display of a candidatefor deletion;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of a second embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of the display duringestablishment of disuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 are high-level representations of various aspects of theinvention.

Apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention includes arecording means 1 for acquiring an image file from an imaging componentor an external terminal. The recording means records the image filetogether with time information on a recording medium R. A monitoringmeans 2 monitors the recording area of the recording medium R, and afirst automatic deleting means 3 deletes image files for which the timeinformation is old in accordance with the usage status of the recordingarea monitored by the monitoring means 2.

The recording means 1 acquires image files including image information.The recording means 1 records these image files together with timeinformation on the recording medium R. The recording area of therecording medium R changes consequent to such recording operation. Themonitoring means 2 monitors such changes in the recording area. Thefirst automatic deleting means 3 deletes image files having old timeinformation and updates the usage status of the recording area monitoredby the monitoring means 2. The deletion operation may include anoperation for establishing a condition for overwriting all or part ofthe recording area occupied by an image file flagged for deletion andoverwriting the recording area with another image file.

By such an operation, an available area of the recording medium R can beautomatically secured at a timing matched to the change of the usagestatus of the recording area.

In an electronic camera, and the like, photographed image files arestored temporarily on a memory card, or the like. The probability ishigh that, with regard to important image files, within a few days to afew weeks from the date photographed, the image files will betransferred to (or at least copied to) higher capacity recording mediaand carefully archived, printed on paper media, or the like.Consequently, in regard to image files having old time information, theprobability is high that these files are either useless or have beensubjected to post processing, such as archiving. Thus, no longer usedimage files can be deleted with high probability by deleting old imagefiles preferentially, as in the present invention.

In a further aspect of the invention, the monitoring means 2 acquires orcomputes the available capacity of the recording area of the recordingmedium R and the first automatic deleting means 3 successively deletesimage files for which the time information is oldest each time theavailable capacity acquired or computed by the monitoring means 2 fallsbelow a predetermined limit. The monitoring means 2 acquires or computesthe available capacity of the recording medium R. The first automaticdeleting means 3 successively deletes image files in order of older timeinformation each time this available capacity falls below apredetermined limit.

Another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a userinterface 4 for presenting an image file anticipated to be deleted bythe first automatic deleting means 3. The user interface inquires as towhether the deletion operation of the image file is approved. The firstautomatic deleting means 3 performs deletion of the image file if thedeletion operation is approved via the user interface 4. This userinterface 4 presents an image file anticipated to be deleted by thefirst automatic deleting means 3 and inquires as to whether the deletionoperation of the image file is approved. The first automatic deletingmeans 3 executes file deletion processing on image files for which thedeletion operation has been approved by the user interface 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, a further aspect of the invention includes arecording means 1 for acquiring an image file from an imaging componentor an external terminal, and for recording the image file on a recordingmedium R. A disused image establishing means 5 establishes as to whetheror not an image file on the recording medium R is disused in accordancewith an external selection operation. A monitoring means 2 monitors therecording area of the recording medium R. A second automatic deletingmeans 6 deletes image files established as disused by the disused imageestablishing means 5 in accordance with the usage status of therecording medium R monitored by the monitoring means 2.

The recording means 1 acquires image files including image information,and the like. The recording means 1 records these image files on arecording medium R. The recording area of the recording medium R changesconsequent to such recording operation. The monitoring means 2 monitorschanges in the recording area. Meanwhile, the disused image establishingmeans 5 establishes whether or not an image file on the recording mediumis disused, in accordance with the external operation selecting theimage file. The second automatic deleting means 6 deletes image filesestablished as disused by matching the usage conditions of the recordingarea monitored by the monitoring means 2.

The deletion operation may include an operation for overwriting, withanother image file, a part or all of the recording area occupied by animage file that is to be deleted, and establishing a condition wherebyoverwriting is possible. By such operation, the available capacity onthe recording medium R can be secured properly and automatically at atiming matched to the change of the usage status of the recording area.

In an even further aspect of the invention, the monitoring means 2acquires or computes the available capacity of the recording area of therecording medium a and the second automatic deleting means 6successively deletes image files established as disused by the disusedimage establishing means 5 each time the available capacity acquired orcomputed by the monitoring means 2 falls below a predetermined limit.The monitoring means 2 acquires or computes the available capacity ofthe recording medium R. The second automatic deleting means 6successively deletes image files established as disused each time thisavailable capacity falls below a predetermined limit.

In a further aspect of the invention, the second automatic deletingmeans 6 deletes image files established as disused by the disused imageestablishing means 5 in priority order of larger file capacity. By suchoperation, there is no more need to frequently delete image files forwhich the file capacity is small and the frequency of deletion of imagefiles is reduced assuredly.

Another aspect of the invention, shown in FIG. 4, further includes auser interface 4 for presenting an image file anticipated to be deletedby the second automatic deleting means 6, and inquires as to whether thedeletion operation of the image file is approved. The second automaticdeleting means 6 performs deletion of the image file if the deletionoperation is approved via the user interface 4.

Another aspect of the invention, shown in FIG. 5, further includes alimit modifying means 7 for raising and lowering the limit correspondingto the file capacity of image files acquired by the recording means 1.Consequently, it becomes possible to secure on the recording medium Rthe necessary available capacity at a timing matched to the filecapacity of the acquired image file.

Embodiments of the present invention are now explained.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a first embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. A camera component 11 a is attached to rotatefreely on the side of the main body 11 of an electronic camera. Aphotographic lens 12 for acquiring the image of the object image isinstalled in the camera component 11 a. The optical axis of thephotographic lens 12 is refracted inside the camera component 11 a. Animaging element 13 consisting of a CCD image sensor is disposed alongthe optical axis and receiving the image formed by lens 12. Thephotoelectric output of this imaging element 13 is transmitted via anA/D converter 14 to a video signal processor (digital signalprocessor—DSP) 15 for performing white balance adjustment and gammacorrection, for example. The output of the video signal processor 15 isoutput to a high-performance encoder 16 and a monitor image generator17. The output data of the high-performance encoder 16 is output to thesystem bus 19 of a microprocessor 18.

Meanwhile, the output data of the monitor image generator 17 is storedsequentially in display memory 20, and the read-out of the displaymemory 20 is input into a liquid crystal display component 22 via aliquid crystal drive circuit 21. On the liquid crystal display component22 is attached a touch panel 22 a for sensing the location of pressureof a finger or pen, or the like. The output of the touch panel 22 a isprovided to the system bus 19.

The system bus 19 is also connected to a display memory 20, disk drive23 and a memory 24. The disk drive 23 includes a magnetoopticalrecording medium 25 which is inserted into the disk drive from outsidethe main body 11.

Furthermore, in the main body 11, there are disposed a record button 26,a still picture mode switch 27 for switching between a still picturephotographic mode and a motion picture photographic mode, and adisuse-establishing switch 28 for establishing disused image files. Thecontact statuses of these switches 26-28 are relayed to themicroprocessor 18.

The operation of the first embodiment will now be explained using theflowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

When the main power of the main body 11 is turned on, the imagingelement 13 begins photoelectric conversion of the object image. Theoutput of this imaging element 13 is converted into image data via theA/D converter 14 and video signal processor 15.

The image data is read into the main body 11 and transferred to thedisplay memory 20 via the monitor image generator 17. The liquid crystaldrive circuit 21 successively reads out the image data from this videomemory 20 and displays it to the liquid crystal display component 22. Inso doing, the liquid crystal display component 22 displays a monitorimage for recording, such as shown in FIG. 10.

Meanwhile, in the high-performance encoder 16, the image data read infrom the video signal processor 15 is compression processed inaccordance with the still picture/motion picture mode. That is, when thestill picture mode switch 27 is in the off status (motion picture mode),inter-frame prediction with motion compensation is performed on theimage data and prediction errors between frames are computed.

These prediction errors are divided into 8×8 blocks and DCT (discretecosine transform) is applied thereto. The DCT coefficients thus computedare quantized according to a specified quantization table. Huffmanencoding is further applied to this quantized data. The image data thusencoded is stored in multiple frames along with annexed data, such asmotion vector and quantization table, in an internal buffer of thehigh-performance encoder 16. For example, motion picture images can becompressed/decompressed according to the MPEG standards.

Meanwhile, when the still picture mode switch 27 is in the on status(still picture mode), the image data is divided into 8×8 blocks and DCT(discrete cosine transform) is applied thereto. The DCT coefficientsthus computed are quantized according to a specified quantization table.Huffman encoding is further applied to this quantized data. The imagedata thus encoded is stored in one frame along with annexed data such asmotion vector and quantization table, in an internal buffer of thehigh-performance encoder 16. For example, still picture images can becompressed/decompressed according to the JPEG standards.

Concurrently with the operation as above, the microprocessor 18determines whether or not the still picture mode switch 27 is in the onstatus (step S1). When the still picture mode switch 27 is set in the onstatus, the microprocessor 18 moves the operation to step S20 in orderto perform still picture photography.

On the other hand, when the still picture mode switch 27 is in the offstatus, the microprocessor 18 returns to step S1 and repeats a waitingoperation until the record button 26 is pressed. When the record button26 is pressed (step S2) during such a period of repetition, themicroprocessor 18 determines that the start of recording of a motionpicture has been indicated and it begins the following recordingoperation of the motion picture mode. At first, the microprocessor 18,provided with motion picture image data, establishes the limit as thememory capacity for multiple frames worth of motion pictures (step S3).Here, when the record button 26 is again pressed (step S4), themicroprocessor 18 determines that stopping of recording has beenindicated and it moves the operation to step S15. On the other hand,when the record button 26 is not pressed again (step S4), themicroprocessor 18 reads in the image data from the high-performanceencoder 16. The microprocessor 18 transfers this image data to the diskdrive 23 (step S5). The disk drive 23 writes the image data to themagnetooptical recording medium 25 each time the image data is stored ina specified amount of sectors.

Next, in the microprocessor 18, the present available capacity iscomputed by subtracting the volume of image data from the availablecapacity of the magnetooptical recording medium 25 (step S6). When theavailable capacity thus computed is larger than the limit (step S7), themicroprocessor 18 determines that there is a surplus in the availablecapacity, returns to step S4, and repeats the recording operationdescribed above. On the other hand, when the available capacity fallsbelow the limit (step S7), the microprocessor 18 determines that theavailable capacity is insufficient. Then, the microprocessor 18 selectsthe image file having the oldest date and time based on the managementdata of the magnetooptical recording medium 25, and determines thatimage file to be a candidate for deletion (step S8). The microprocessor18 transfers the leading image of this candidate for deletion and theimage data of a delete button to the monitor memory 20 via the systembus 19 (step S9). As a result, on the liquid crystal display 22 isformed an image such as shown in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, the leading image (the first image in the image file) of thecandidate for deletion 32 is displayed in the form of a sub-window in acorner of the monitor. Preferably, this image is a reduced (thumbnail)image of the actual image. In the vicinity of this candidate fordeletion 32 is displayed the delete button 33. In such a display status,the microprocessor 18 senses via the touch panel 22 a whether or not thedelete button 33 on the screen is pressed (step S10). When the deletebutton 33 is pressed, the microprocessor 18 deletes the candidate fordeletion via the disk drive 23. Next, the microprocessor 18 increasesthe available capacity of the magnetooptical recording medium 25 by thecapacity of the candidate for deletion (step S11).

The deletion operation sets the recording area occupied by the candidatefor deletion to an overwrite-enabled status by modifying the managementdata of the magnetooptical recording medium 25. After such deletionoperation is completed, the microprocessor 18 returns to step S4 andrepeats the recording operation. On the other hand, when the deletebutton 33 is not pressed within a restricted (specified) period (stepS12), since the unrecorded image data becomes stalled and overflows inthe high-performance encoder 16, the microprocessor 18 abandons thecontinuation of recording of the image data. Thus, after the managementdata (such as the date and time data) has been provided, themicroprocessor 18 ends the recording operation (step S13).

Meanwhile, in step S1, when the still picture mode switch 27 is set tothe on status, the microprocessor 18 moves to step S20 and executes thestill picture mode operation. First, the microprocessor 18 waits untilthe record button 26 is pressed (step S20). When the still mode switch27 is changed to the off status during this wait (step S21), themicroprocessor 18 determines that it has been set to a new mode and itreturns to step S2. On the other hand, when the record button 26 ispressed during the wait (step S20), the microprocessor 18 determinesthat the start of recording of a still picture has been indicated and itbegins the record operation of the still picture mode as describedbelow.

First, the microprocessor 18, provided with the image data of the stillpicture, establishes the limit as the recording capacity for one frameworth of still picture data (step S22). Next, the microprocessor 18reads in, from the high-performance encoder 16, the one frame worth ofimage data. The microprocessor 18 records this image data temporarily inmemory 24 (step S23). The microprocessor 18 then performs a sizecomparison of the available capacity of the magnetooptical recordingmedium 25 and the limit (step S24). As a result of such comparison, whenthe available capacity is above the limit, the microprocessor 18transfers the image data in memory to the disk drive 23 and records iton the magnetooptical recording medium 25 (step S25). The microprocessor18 provides date and time data to the image file thus recorded (stepS26).

Next, the microprocessor 18 subtracts the volume of image data from theavailable capacity of the magnetooptical magnetic recording medium 25(step S27). After completion of such operation, the microprocessor 18ends the still picture recording operation.

On the other hand, in step S24, when the available capacity is less thanor equal to the limit, the microprocessor 18 selects a candidate fordeletion having the oldest date and time data from the still picturefiles on the magnetooptical recording medium 25 (step S28). Themicroprocessor 18 transfers the image of this candidate for deletion andthe image of a delete button to display memory 20 via the system bus 19(step S29). As a result, on the liquid crystal display component 22 isformed an image such as shown in FIG. 11.

In such a display status, the microprocessor 18 senses via the touchpanel 22 a whether or not the delete button 33 on the screen is pressed(step S30). When the delete button 33 is pressed, the microprocessor 18deletes the candidate for deletion via the disk drive 23. Next, themicroprocessor 18 increases the available capacity of the magnetoopticalrecording medium 25 by the capacity of the candidate for deletion (stepS31). After the deletion operation is completed, the microprocessor 18moves to step S25 described above and again executes the still picturerecording. If the delete button 33 is not pressed within a restrictedperiod (step S32), the microprocessor 18 abandons the still picturerecording.

By the operation explained above, in the first embodiment, when theavailable capacity of the magnetooptical recording medium 25 isinsufficient, an image file having an old date and time is automaticallydeleted. Consequently, it becomes possible to automatically secureavailable capacity at an appropriate time. Thus, inconveniences, such asmissing a valuable shooting opportunity, can be prevented without theuser paying attention to the available capacity on the recording medium.Also, because the oldest image file is selected as a candidate fordeletion, those which have already undergone archive processing, printprocessing, or those which are originally useless, can be deleted withhigh probability. Consequently, there is no particular need for the userto consciously select and delete image files and complicationsconcomitant with a conventional deletion operation can be avoided.Furthermore, because the candidate for deletion is deleted afterapproval of the deletion operation has been confirmed, there is no riskof an important image file being deleted by accident.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be explained withreference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 12. The configuration of this secondembodiment is identical to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7,except for the internal functions of the microprocessor 18. Therefore,explanation of the general configuration is omitted.

First, when the disuse-establishing switch 28 is set in the off status(step S41), the microprocessor 18 moves the operation to step S45without establishing disuse of an image file. On the other hand, whenthe disuse-establishing switch 28 is set in the on status (step S41),the microprocessor 18 lists the image files on the magnetoopticalrecording medium 25 in the thumbnail format shown in FIG. 13 (step S42).The thumbnails 41 are listed in the center of the liquid crystal displaycomponent 22 and scroll buttons 42, OK button 43 and cancel button 44are displayed on the lower side of the screen. In this status, themicroprocessor 18 sequentially senses the selection operations of thethumbnails by the user via the touch panel 22 a. When the OK button 43on the screen is pressed during thumbnail selection (step S43), themicroprocessor 18 records in memory 24 the filename and file capacity ofthe selected image file (step S44).

On the other hand, when the cancel button 44 on the screen is pressed(step S43), the microprocessor 18 cancels the thumbnail selection andmoves the operation to step S45.

Until the record button 26 is pressed (step S45), the microprocessor 18returns to step S41 and repeats the operation described above.

When the record button 26 is pressed during such period of repetition(step S45), the microprocessor 18 determines that the start of recordingof motion pictures was indicated and it begins the recording operationof the motion picture mode as described below.

First, when the record button 26 is again pressed (step S46), themicroprocessor 18 determines that the stopping of recording wasindicated and it ends the recording operation. On the other hand, whenthe record button 26 has been pressed only once (step S46), themicroprocessor 18 reads in the image data from the high-performanceencoder 16. The microprocessor 18 transfers this image data to the diskdrive 23 (step S47). The disk drive 23 writes the image data to themagnetooptical recording medium 25 each time the image data has beenstored in the capacity of a sector.

Next, the microprocessor 18 computes the present available capacity bysubtracting the volume of the image data from the available capacity ofthe magnetooptical recording medium 25 (step S48). When the availablecapacity thus computed is greater than the limit (step S49), themicroprocessor 18 determines that there is a surplus in availablecapacity and returns to step S46. On the other hand, when the availablecapacity falls below the limit (step S49), the microprocessor 18determines whether or not disused image files have been established(step S50).

Here, when disused image files have not been specified (step S50), themicroprocessor 18 abandons the execution of recording of image data andit ends the record operation of motion pictures. On the other hand, whendisused files have been specified (step S50), the microprocessor 18selects from the disused image files the one having the greatest filecapacity and determines it as a candidate for deletion (step S51).

The microprocessor 18 transfers the leading image of the candidate fordeletion and image data of a delete button to display memory 20 via thesystem bus 19 (step S52). As a result, on the liquid crystal displaycomponent 22 an image as shown in FIG. 11 is formed.

In such a display status, the microprocessor 18 senses via the touchpanel 22 a whether or not the delete button 33 on the screen has beenpressed (step S53). When the delete button 33 is pressed, themicroprocessor 18 deletes the candidate for deletion via the disk drive23. Next, the microprocessor 18 increases the available capacity of themagnetooptical recording medium 25 by the capacity of the candidate fordeletion (step S54). After deletion is completed, the microprocessor 18returns to step S41 and repeats the recording operation.

On the other hand, when the delete button 33 is not pressed within arestricted (specified) period (step S55), the unrecorded image databecomes stalled and overflows in the high-performance encoder 16.Therefore, the microprocessor 18 abandons the continuation of recordingof the image data and ends the recording operation.

By the above operation, the substantially same effect as that of thefirst embodiment can be achieved in the second embodiment. Furthermore,as an effect particular to the second embodiment, because image filesestablished in advance as disused are made the object of deletion, thereis no unintentional deletion of important image files. Also, because theimage files are deleted in the order of larger file capacity from thoseestablished as disused, the frequency of deletion of image files can bereduced. Furthermore, image files established in advance as disused arepresented and external approval is sought before executing the deletionoperation. Consequently, there is no risk of image files accidentallyhaving been established as disused being deleted by accident.

In the embodiments described above, the invention was explained in thecontext of an electronic camera. However, the image recording apparatusof the present invention is not limited to the configuration of anelectronic camera. Generally, the invention can be applied to any imagerecording apparatus having the function of recording image files. Forexample, it may be applied to an image editing apparatus that appliesimage editing of image files and records newly created image files. Insuch an image editing apparatus, because the file capacity becomesgreater after linking (concatenating) a plurality of images and editing,the available capacity of the recording medium is frequentlyinsufficient. Consequently, application of the present invention to animage editing apparatus is well-suited.

Also, in the embodiments described above, the available capacity iscomputed. However, the present invention is not limited to computationalmethods of available capacity. For example, it may directly acquire theavailable capacity from the management area of the magnetoopticalrecording medium 25.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the available capacityis monitored. However, the present invention is not limited to “themonitoring of available capacity,” and it may monitor a quantityindicating the usage status of the recording area. For example, therecorded volume, general recording time, remaining recordable time, orthe like, may be monitored. These quantities are particularlywell-suited because the usage status of the recording medium can bepresented to the user by displaying it directly to the screen.

Additionally, in the embodiments described above, magnetoopticalrecording medium 25 is used as the recording medium. However, thepresent invention is not limited to the material or form of therecording medium. For example, such recording media as a magneticrecording medium, optical recording medium, semiconductor memory (e.g.,flash memory), and memory card may be used.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the oldest imagefile is made the candidate for deletion. However, the present inventionis not limited to this. For example, an old image file may be made as acandidate for deletion by one or a multiple of such methods as thresholddetermination, fuzzy logic, and the like.

Also, in the first embodiment described above, only one candidate fordeletion is selected. However, the present invention is not limited toone candidate for deletion. Multiple image files may be selected ascandidates for deletion. In such case, the image files to be deleted maybe inquired about on the screen by displaying multiple candidates fordeletion at once or by displaying them one by one.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention set forth hereinare intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the following claims.

1. An image recording apparatus, comprising: recording means forrecording an image file on a recording medium; unnecessary imageestablishing means for establishing whether or not an image file on saidrecording medium is necessary in accordance with an external selectionoperation; monitoring means for monitoring a recording area of saidrecording medium and determining an available capacity of the recodingarea of said recording medium; and automatic deleting means forsuccessively deleting image files established as not necessary by saidunnecessary image establishing means each time the available capacitydetermined by said monitoring means falls below a predetermined limit.2. An image recording apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: saidautomatic deleting means deletes image files established as notnecessary by said unnecessary image establishing means in priority orderof larger file capacity.
 3. An image recording apparatus as defined inclaim 1, further comprising: a user interface that presents an imagefile anticipated to be deleted by said automatic deleting means, andinquires whether or not the deletion operation of the image file isapproved, wherein said automatic deleting means performs deletion of theimage file if the deletion operation is approved via said userinterface.
 4. An image recording apparatus as defined in claim 1,further comprising: limit modifying means for raising and lowering saidpredetermined limit.
 5. A method for recording images using an imagerecording apparatus, comprising the steps of: acquiring an image file;recording said image file on a recording medium with the image recordingapparatus; establishing whether or not an image file is necessary;determining an available capacity of a recording area of said recordingmedium; and successively deleting image files established as notnecessary each time the determined available capacity falls below apredetermined limit.
 6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein: saiddeleting step deletes image files established as not necessary inpriority order of larger file capacity.
 7. A method as defined in claim5, further comprising: presenting on a display an image file anticipatedto be deleted in said deleting step; inquiring on the display whether ornot the deletion of the image file is approved; and deleting the imagefile when the deletion is approved.
 8. An image recording apparatus,comprising: a storage device that stores images as image files on arecording medium; a selector coupled to the storage device to selectwhether or not an image file stored on said recording medium isnecessary in accordance with an external selection operation; and acontroller coupled to the storage device to monitor a recording area ofsaid recording medium, to determine an available capacity of therecording area of said recording medium, and to automaticallysuccessively delete image files selected as not necessary by saidselector each time the determined available capacity falls below apredetermined limit.
 9. An image recording apparatus as defined in claim8, wherein said controller deletes image files established as notnecessary in priority order of larger file capacity.
 10. An imagerecording apparatus as defined in claim 8, further comprising: a userinterface that presents a candidate image file to be deleted by saidcontroller, and inquires whether or not the deletion operation of thecandidate image file is approved, wherein said controller deletes thecandidate image file when the deletion operation is approved via saiduser interface.
 11. An image recording apparatus as defined in claim 8,wherein said predetermined limit is adjustable.
 12. An image recordingapparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said selector includes a disuseestablishing switch for establishing disuse of image files.
 13. An imagerecording apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein when said disuseestablishing switch is on, said controller causes the image files storedon said recording medium to be displayed in a thumbnail format on adisplay, and wherein a selected thumbnail image is determined to be notnecessary and the recording area of said recording medium occupied bythe corresponding image file is set to an overwrite-enabled status. 14.An image recording apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein theapparatus is an electronic camera, the electronic camera including aphotographic lens that forms a light image of an object on aphotoelectric converter that converts the light image into image signalsthat are stored in the recording medium.